Trump threatens 100% tariffs on European countries over digital taxes

U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 100% tariff on imports from any country that introduces a digital services tax targeting major American technology companies.

In a post on his Truth Social platform on June 26, Trump said several European countries were considering such taxes, which would apply to revenues earned by large U.S. tech firms, and warned of immediate retaliation if they proceed, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

"Please let this statement serve to represent that any Country that imposes such a Tax will immediately be met with a 100% TARIFF on any and all Goods sent to the United States of America," he wrote.

Trump said the proposed tariffs would take effect immediately and would "supersede" any existing bilateral trade agreements.

"This TARIFF will supersede Trade Deals made with the Country, whether implemented, signed, or not. Additionally, the 100% TARIFF will be immediately imposed, if they proceed. Thank you for your attention to this matter," he wrote. 

The threat comes just days after the United States and the European Union finalised a new trade agreement.

Britain already imposes a 2% Digital Services Tax, introduced in 2020, on major search engines, social media platforms and online marketplaces with global digital revenues exceeding £500 million and UK revenues above £25 million. The tax applies to several U.S. technology companies, including Apple, Google, Meta and Amazon.

In April, Trump criticised the UK's digital tax, saying Britain faced "a big tariff" for targeting major U.S. companies.

"They think they're going to make an easy buck, that's why they've all taken advantage of our country," Trump said at the time.

By Sabina Mammadli